A Menu of Fundraising Options for Your Board

Every board member has a role to play in fundraising. But keep in mind that each person has different skills, different contacts, different interests. So why ask them all to do the same thing?

Board relations is just like donor relations – personalization is key.

When people ask us to do board trainings, they’ll often say, “I’d like every one of my board members to go out and solicit someone for $1,000.” Or, “I’d like every board member to hand over a list of names.”

These strategies rarely work. To tell you the truth, we’ve never seen an entire board be compelled or cajoled into all doing the exact same thing at the exact same time.

As you know, board members are often nervous about fundraising. Some people just won’t be ready to make an ask. But there’s so much more they can do to help!

How to personalize? Here’s an example of a board fundraising menu, complete with appetizers for those who are newer to fundraising, a main course for board members who are more confident, and dessert for those who are really ready to dive in.

Of course, reservations are required. Board members must lead the way with their own giving before they can be effective at providing stewardship and asking for contributions from others.

We invite you to share this menu at your next board meeting. Work as a team to customize it for your organization. Brainstorm how board members can tag their fundraising activities on to activities you’re already planning.

Most importantly, get each board member to commit to taking on at least one task from the menu. And be sure to ask them what support they’ll need in order to deliver.

We encourage you to invite every board member to the fundraising table…and make it a smorgasbord!